Frank Scrimgeour - it's an out of date governance model. Floats the idea of executive mayors, whether mayors should have more power to appoint the equivalent of cabinet ministers, doesn't think the polytech approach of reform from former govt works
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One thing I would mention is that if there's a move to e.g. unitary councils, it needs to be really well resourced and supported by legislation. Otherwise I suspect that holding the line on regional stuff will end up being at the bottom of the priority list.
Jeremy Hay - acknowledges ppl in local govt have a commitment to their communities. Also shared by others on the panel. Suggests we could have fewer councils, supports water meters - as example of less demand on infrastructure and more efficiencies instead of MORE infrastructure
Anne talking about mixed model - some local people and some appointed with expert skills, was recommendation in future for local govt report. Shouldn't be a political appointment from central govt but from independent body. Nanaia disagrees, wouldn't be politically viable from central govt.
Definitely recommend watching this session if you're interested in local government. Nanaia with some really on-the-money reflections about her time as local govt minister and the dymanic between councils, communities, and central govt.
Anne talks about how ratepayers are underwriting development, because housing developments can take 10+ years to come to fruition but councils only see those development levies once the properties goes to market, and central govt policy changes e.g. transport only make it worse
Thinking about the English experience with “cabinet minister “ equivalents at local government level, a huge amount depends on the level of delegation and in the competence of elected members (as it does now). I’m in favour of executive mayors as long as
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